This edition of Critical Infrastructure presents a culmination of ongoing research and real-work experience, building upon previous editions. Since the first edition of this work, the domain has seen significant evolutions in terms of operational needs, environmental challenges and threats – both emerging and evolving. This work expands upon the previous works and maintains its focus on those efforts vital to securing the safety and security of populations.

The world continues to see a shift from a force-protection model to one more focused on resilience. This process has been exacerbated and challenged as societies face increased instability in weather and arguably climate, a destabilized geopolitical situation, and continuing economic instability. Various levels―ranging from international oversight to individual actions―continue to work towards new approaches and tools that can assist in meeting this challenge.

This work keeps pace with the key changes that have occurred since previous editions and continues to provide insight into emerging and potential issues. Expanding from historical research, major areas of interest such as climate change, regulatory oversight, and internal capacity building are explored. This work provides a reference for those that are working to prepare themselves and their organizations for challenges likely to arise over the next decade.

In keeping with the fast-changing nature of this field, Critical Infrastructure: Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Fourth Edition has been completely revised and fully updated to reflect this shift in focus and to incorporate the latest developments.

Presents an overview of some of the emerging challenges and conflicts between the public and private sector;

Continues to build the case for organizations to adopt an intelligence-driven and adaptive approach to protecting infrastructure;

Presents a unique and new perspective of re-examining baseline requirements against a range of shifting factors, taking a balanced approach between risk-based planning and consequence management;

Expands upon the issue of internal and lone-wolf threats that pose additional challenges to a system that continues to focus largely on external threats; and

An enhanced and improved view of interdependencies in an increasingly inter-connected and network-enabled world.

Preparing for the challenges of increasingly unstable threat and operating environments will pose challenges at all levels. Those involved in ensuring that critical infrastructure protection and assurance efforts function effectively and efficiently―whether as government regulators, business operators, clients of various infrastructure sectors or those seeking to maintain an accountable system – will find insights into less-explored aspects of this challenging field.